Apparatus for vapor-baths



(N0 Model.)

N. CRANK. APPARATUS FOR VAPOR BATH$.

No. 445,464. Patented Jan. 2'7, 1891 ms Nomvs PFTERS cu., murmuruo WASNINGTON, n. c,

NITED STATES PATENT Orrien.

NATHANIEL CRANK, OF HILL CITY, KANSAS.

APPARATUS FOR VAPOR-BATHS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 445,464, dated January 2'7, 1891.

Application filed June 21,1890. Serial No. 356869. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I. NATHANIEL CRANK, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Hill City, in the county of Graham and State of Kansas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Vapor-Baths; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to makcand use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to letters of reference marked thereon,which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to medical apparatus designed for vapor-baths; and it consists in the improved. construction hereinafter described and set forth, whereby a simple and efficient arrangement is provided wherein a person may be properly subjected to the beneficial effects of a vapor-bath and the appliances for securing which are simple and dcrable.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part of this specification, Figure 1 is a sectional view of my improved vapor-chamber, showing the relative position of the same with respect to the vapor-generator. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the vapor-chamber. Fig. 3 is a detail view illustrating the employment of the improved platform.

The vapor-chain ber consists of the base having rigid sides A A, the vertical end beams a of which are vertically grooved to receive the rabbeted edges l) of the vertically-removable front B and back B. Studs 0, located oh the beams a, are designed to be engaged by hooks d on the side and back to lock these sections in position.

The base comprises the bottom proper C, above which,within the chamber, is located a false bottom C, perforated in order that the liquid of condensation may pass to the space beneath, and be'finally withdrawn therefrom through a discharge-outlet e, located in the bottom C. This latter has corner-legs to maintain it. the desired distance from the floor.

Within the chamber and adjacent to the back is located a permanent rest D, while a movable seat 1), preferably of the adjustable type, is also located in said chamber.

The top portion of the chamber inclines upward toward the front, and the several sides, back, and front are provided on their inner surfaces, near their top edges, with ledges f, upon which rests the top or cover E of the vapor-chamber, so that it is snugly flush with the top edges of the side, back, and front. For the sake of convenience this cover E is made in front and rear sections hinge-connected, as shown, the former being provided with a ring or handle g, by which it may be raised or lowered, and said front section is also provided with an aperture h, through which the head of a patient may protrude, the escape of vapor being prevented by wrapping a cloth or towel around the neck of the patient to form a vapor-tight joint around the neck.

Adjacent to the aperture h a vertical slot 7 is made in the front section, and through this plays a vertical bar F, having a series of transverse perforations, so that the position of the bar can be vertically adjusted and held in any of its several positions by means of a pin] passed transversely through one of the perforations therein and bearing on the top of the cover. This bar F-carries at its upper end a loop 70, which not only clamps a section Z of rubber tubing to the metal tube m of a flaring funnel G horizontally oval, but also supports said funnel, so that the tube Z, which passes through the top, can take vapor from the chamber and deliver it to the funnel G, which is to rest overthe mouth of the patient in order that he may inhale vapor.

To maintain the funnel closely over the mouth, the frame is provided with an elastic band a, adapted to clasp the head of the patient and hold the funnel properly in position.

The vapor is generated in a boiler Ill, which is shown in Fig. 1, and consists of a light metallic receptacle designed to rest on a stove. This boiler is provided at its top with a noz- Zle closed by a cap 0, and through which the liquid to be converted into vapor is introduced. A cock 1) at one side permits the vapor to be blown off when necessary, and also enables the attendant to ascertain Whether the liquid is passing into vapor. Centrally the top of the generator is provided with an elbow-pipe q, with which the connection of the t the chamber.

As the rest and chair are shown in Fig. 1, they are adapted for the patient while in asitting attitude. \Vhen a partially-recumbent position is desirable, it can be provided for by placing the perforated platform I so that its lower feet or supports will bear upon the rest and seat. This platform, as shown, consists of an extended horizontal plate of reticulated material, having its depending sides for strength, and bent inward so as to run off the condensation, and on the under side at each end a cross-brace t is provided to strengthen the plate and provide a connection for the feet. The top edges of the sides have turnhuttons u, adapted to pass above the top and retain it immovably in position.

In practice either the side or back is removed, so that the patient may enter and be seated in the chamber, after which the lid can be adjusted so that the head will be above the same. The hinged character of the lid makes it unnecessary to entirely remove the same when the patient enters from the front, as the hinged front section of the lid can be readily lowered, so that the head will pass through the aperture therein. In event of the patient being Weak, the platform I can be used as a litter, and the patient seated on the same can be moved into the chamber, the removable ends contributing to the convenience of this operation.

A thermometer J,located in one side of the chamber, indica es the temperature within the chamber.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to protect by Letters Patent, is-

In an apparatus for vapor-baths, the combination of the vapor-chamber having the perforated false floor, discharge beneath the same, and vertical recessed corn er-beams a, end sec tions vertically sliding in said beams, and securing devices, a lid comprising hinged sections, one of which is perforated for the passage of the head of the occupant, a flexible tube communicating with the interior of the chamber and provided externally with a mouth-piece and clamps, and an adj usting-bar for said mouth-piece secured in the lid, as described, together with a vapor-generator communicating with the vapor-chamber, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my singnature in presence of two witnesses.

NATHANIEL CRANK.

Witnesses: t

D. O. STATTs, b. VAN WYoK. 

